Photo Gallery

2016 Orientation and Training - Savannah, GA

Scholars and staff prepare for a kayak trip around Sapelo Island where the orientation and training retreat took place in 2016.Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars embark on their kayaking adventure around Sapelo Island to learn more about the natural history of the area.The adventurers on their kayaks getting a sense of place in Georgia.Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars enjoy a little levity while waiting for dinner at the Reynold's Mansion.Scholars practice communication, interpersonal and organizational skills while participating in a team-building murder mystery party.Scholars and staff on their way back from the Reynold's Mansion on Sapelo Island.The friendship of current and former Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars can provide strong bonds over time.Dr. Nancy Foster scholars and NOAA staff pose around a newly installed boat ramp sign to broaden awareness of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary.Foster scholars have an opportunity to visit the offices of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary in Savannah, Georgia to meet staff.Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars head out to explore downtown Savannah, Georgia before flying home.

2015 Orientation and Training - Moloka`i, HI

All of the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars, a few alumni and NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries staff at a scenic look-out at Kaulaupapa.

A NOAA scientist and Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar communicating their research with a young audience of Hawaiian students.

Nancy Foster Scholar, Alexandra Avila, communicating her research to young students with hands-on visuals

Foster Scholars and NOAA staff interacting with school children from a Hawaiian Immersion School on Moloka`i.

As part of the orientation training and retreat, Nancy Foster Scholar Michael Fox, explains his research on how nutrient pollution impacts coral reef ecosystems to a young child.

2012 Orientation and Training - Lake Crescent, WA

Scholars visit the shore of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary to have a chance to explore the local ecosystem.

As an ice-breaker activity, scholars are challenged to communicate their research using visuals on posters.

Scholars enjoy thinking about communicating their research in a new way - using basic materials to quickly and clearly explain scientific concepts.

During the week long orientation scholars are given time to provide feedback on the program and ask questions.

During the week an updated handbook on how to manage your scholarship was reviewed in detail.

Scholars were given time to work collaboratively on group activities such as communicating science to different audiences.

An example of a poster explaining a scholars research in easily understood terms and images.

People were given time to present their research to the group for feedback and discussion.

As part of a team building activity, scholars were able to paddle on beautiful Crescent Lake.

In the early morning before formal sessions began, scholars do a brief hike to the waterfall on the NatureBridge property.

Scholars line up to practice their "elevator speech", or how to share their research and why it is important in 30 seconds or less.

During a free evening, scholars had the opportunity to visit Olympic Coast National Park.

Scholars showing their joy at being a part of the Dr. Nancy Foster scholarship program.

If you look carefully, you can see scholars spelling out "F-O-S-T-E-R-!" during a visit to Olympic Coast National Park.

The superintendent of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Carol Bernthal, led the group on a guided hike to Cape Flattery to see the local ecosystem.

The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is administered through the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and subject to appropriations. It is funded annually with 1% of the amount appropriated each fiscal year to the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to carry out the National Marine Sanctuaries Act